New Delhi’s naval discourse is casting a spotlight on the memory of December 4, a date that marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s maritime history. On this day in 1971, the Indian Navy launched Operation Trident, targeting the Karachi Port. This operation resulted in significant losses for Pakistan, which included the destruction of a minesweeper, a destroyer, a ship laden with ammunition, and vital fuel storage tanks. Another destroyer was left damaged and was later scrapped. Notably, this event marked the first use of an anti-ship missile in the region, a pivotal advancement in naval warfare. In India, this day is commemorated as Navy Day.
Fast forward over five decades, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has voiced concerns regarding Pakistan’s expanding naval capabilities. In remarks ahead of Navy Day, he described the development as “surprising,” highlighting that Pakistan has prioritized military enhancement over social welfare. The Admiral emphasized that the Indian Navy is adapting its operational strategies in response to this growth, particularly with the Pakistan Navy’s ambitious plan to expand its fleet to 50 ships within the next decade, predominantly consisting of modern surface warships and submarines.
Wajahat Khan, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, commented on the recent trends within the Pakistan Navy, crediting assistance and influence from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China for their rapid expansion. Khan noted that the Pakistan Navy’s upgrade includes advancements in ship-launched ballistic missile technology, signaling a serious commitment to catching up with India and maintaining a strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific theatre as well as the Western Indian Ocean Region.
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The modernization initiative for the Pakistan Navy commenced in 2015, characterized by a significant $5 billion agreement with China for eight Type 039B-based Hangor II submarines. The first four submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built in Pakistan, bolstering indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. This submarine class is notably equipped with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, enhancing its operational stealth. The first of the planned submarines was recently delivered, with the entire contract expected to be completed by 2030.
In addition to the submarine upgrades, the Pakistan Navy is significantly bolstering its capabilities with the recent acquisition of two Type 054A/P frigates and the ongoing upgrades of older Agosta class submarines. The involvement of Turkish defense firms in supplying corvettes is also noteworthy, as Pakistan received the first of four Babur-class corvettes this past year, based on advanced designs employed by the Turkish Navy.
Pakistan is also pursuing indigenous advancement with the establishment of a Naval Research and Development Institute aimed at nurturing local design talent and developing advanced systems like the Jinnah-class frigates and various unmanned vehicles. Recent testing of the SMASH ship-launched ballistic missile reflects the ongoing arms race and the emphasis on establishing a capable deterrence strategy.
As the India-Pakistan naval dynamics evolve, both nations are deeply aware of the implications on maritime security in South Asia and beyond. The Indian Navy’s strategic adjustments and the Pakistan Navy’s modernization efforts indicate a continuing and escalating maritime rivalry that could have profound impacts on regional stability in the years to come.
